U.S. patent number 6,338,048 [Application Number 09/254,706] was granted by the patent office on 2002-01-08 for electronic transaction system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Toru Mori.
United States Patent |
6,338,048 |
Mori |
January 8, 2002 |
Electronic transaction system
Abstract
A plurality of types of settlement conditions exist for
transactions with electronic money. An electronic transaction
system capable of being applied to a plurality of types of
settlement conditions using a single automatic teller machine is
provided. In order to achieve this, this system has the following
configuration. Namely, in this electronic transaction system for
carrying out transaction settlements using electronic money stored
on a customer card while using an automatic teller machine,
customer identification information and an electronic money amount
are stored as balance information for each customer account
established at a financial institution, with the customer card
being such that stored information can be updated based on
pre-decided transaction conditions. The automatic teller machine
then houses customer cards corresponding to a plurality of
transaction conditions and a plurality of ATM cards, and a
plurality of control software is prepared. Control software
coinciding with the transaction conditions is then activated, and
transactions are carried out with the ATM cards stored in the
automatic teller machine.
Inventors: |
Mori; Toru (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
(Tokyo, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
17098849 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/254,706 |
Filed: |
March 12, 1999 |
PCT
Filed: |
September 12, 1997 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP97/03234 |
371
Date: |
March 12, 1999 |
102(e)
Date: |
March 12, 1999 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO98/11514 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 19, 1998 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
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Sep 13, 1996 [JP] |
|
|
8-243103 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q
20/363 (20130101); G07F 7/0866 (20130101); G06Q
20/105 (20130101); G06Q 20/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07F
7/08 (20060101); G06Q 20/00 (20060101); G06K
005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;705/41 ;235/380 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0 348 923 |
|
Jan 1990 |
|
EP |
|
0793206 |
|
Sep 1997 |
|
EP |
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2-35568 |
|
Jun 1990 |
|
JP |
|
3-116469 |
|
Mar 1991 |
|
JP |
|
3-98194 |
|
Apr 1991 |
|
JP |
|
4-149723 |
|
May 1992 |
|
JP |
|
7-85172 |
|
Mar 1995 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
"Burger King Smart Cards Cooking with Customers"-Supermarket News
V48 n25 p. 19..
|
Primary Examiner: Millin; Vincent
Assistant Examiner: Akers; Geoffrey
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Venable Frank; Robert J. Gluck;
Jeffrey W.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic transaction system comprising:
a first IC card of a customer for storing information specifying a
type of electronic money and electronic money issued by a money
issuer;
a terminal capable of having the first IC card inserted into it;
and
a plurality of second IC cards of the terminal for storing
electronic money provided at the terminal, each of the plurality of
second IC cards storing a different type of electronic money issued
by different money issuers or by the same money issuer,
wherein the terminal reads out information specifying a type of
electronic money stored in the first IC card when the first IC card
is inserted into the terminal and selects one of the plurality of
second IC cards storing the type of electronic money specified by
the information read from the first IC card, and the type of
electronic money specified by the information is transferred
between the first IC card and the one of the plurality of second IC
cards selected by the terminal.
2. The electronic transaction system of claim 1, wherein the
terminal makes each of the plurality of second IC cards start
sending the prescribed signal to the first IC card by a preset
order when information specifying the type of the electronic money
cannot be read from the first IC card, and makes the one of the
plurality of second IC cards carry out at least one transaction
with the first IC card when the first IC card returns an
appropriate response to the terminal.
3. The electronic transaction system of claim 1, wherein
information specifying the electronic money type is set for each
money issuer or for each type of electronic money when the money
issuer is the same.
4. The electronic transaction system of claim 1, wherein the
terminal is an automatic teller machine.
5. The electronic transaction system of claim 2, wherein
information specifying the electronic money type is set for each
money issuer or for each type of electronic money when the money
issuer is the same.
6. The electronic transaction system of claim 2, wherein the
terminal is an automatic teller machine.
7. The electronic transaction system of claim 3 wherein the
terminal is an automatic teller machine.
8. The electronic transaction system according to claim 1, wherein
said information specifying the type of electronic money includes
information showing a settlement condition of electronic money.
9. The electronic transaction system according to claim 8, wherein
the terminal comprises:
memory in which is stored at least two different types of control
software corresponding to at least two different types of
settlement conditions of electronic money that may be stored on
said first IC card, wherein the terminal uses the type of control
software corresponding to the type of settlement condition of
electronic money shown by the information specifying the type of
electronic money.
10. The electronic transaction system according to claim 1, the
terminal including:
a controller, said controller selecting one of the second IC cards
storing the type of electronic money specified by the information
read from the first IC cards.
11. The electronic transaction system according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of said plurality of second IC cards stores different
types of electronic money.
12. A method of performing electronic transactions using an
electronic transaction system that includes a user IC card, a
terminal, and a plurality of system IC cards, the user IC card
storing information specifying a type of electronic money and
storing electronic money issued by a money issuer, wherein the
terminal is arranged so as to permit insertion of a user IC card
into it, and wherein each of the plurality of system IC cards
stores a different type of electronic money issued by the same
money issuer or by different money issuers, the method comprising
the steps of:
receiving a user IC card in said terminal;
reading out information from the user IC card, said information
specifying a type of electronic money stored in the first IC
card;
selecting one of said plurality of system IC cards storing the type
of electronic money specified by the information read from the user
IC card; and
transferring electronic money between the user IC card and the
selected system IC card.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of:
if information specifying a type of electronic money can not be
read from the inserted user IC card, sending, in a preset order,
prescribed signals from each of the plurality of system IC cards to
the user IC card; and
when, in response to the prescribed signals from one of the
plurality of system IC cards, the user IC card returns an
appropriate response to the terminal, causing at least one
transaction to be performed between the user IC card and that one
of the plurality of system IC cards.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said
system IC cards stores at least two different types of electronic
money.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the information
specifying the type of electronic money includes information
showing a settlement condition of electronic money.
16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of: establishing a connection through a settlement network to a
financial institution or other card issuer for confirmation
purposes.
17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of:
selecting control software corresponding to the information read
from the user IC card.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an electronic transaction system
for depositing currency to a financial institution such as a bank,
storing a value corresponding to this currency as money information
(electronic money) in a card (IC card) mounted with an integrated
circuit and settling the cost by withdrawing from electronic money
stored on the IC card when paying at the time of a business
transaction such as the purchase of goods.
BACKGROUND ART
A number of methods of settling costs using electronic money exist,
such as prepaid (advance payment), debit (immediate payment) and
credit (deferred payment). An example of a method for settling
costs by prepayment is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No.
Hei. 7-104891. In this publication, technology is disclosed where
an outstanding amount is deducted from a balance recorded on a
customer IC card (hereinafter referred to as "customer card") and
the outstanding amount is directly transferred to a vendor IC card
(hereinafter referred to as "vendor card").
This technology is characterized by the point that charge
settlement is then complete in the case of a business transaction.
This technology means that the former case where a vendor would
have to take transaction records to a financial institution to have
the transaction records put into cash form is no longer the case.
This technology has reduced the cash handling costs involved in the
calculating of cash and change at vendors and financial
institutions and eliminated the accompanying office processing.
However, a number of conditions exist in charge settlement methods
employing electronic money due to differences in the aforementioned
methods and differences in the approaches of each financial
institution that are issuing bodies for electronic money even when
the method is the same. Within this number of conditions there are
several methods of replenishing customer cards with electronic
money. In these methods, the customer has to replenish the customer
cards with electronic money coinciding with the charge settlement
conditions set at each customer card. Because of this, the customer
has to go to a branch of a financial institution handling
electronic money that coincides with the charge settlement
conditions for each customer card and replenish the customer card
with electronic money, or alternatively, replenish the customer
card with electronic money at the customer's house using a
household terminal coinciding with the charge settlement
conditions.
When a customer card is replenished with electronic money at a
branch of a financial institution, the customer utilizes an
automatic teller machine capable of performing electronic money
replenishment transactions, cash is put into the automatic teller
machine so that the cash is converted to electronic money, and this
then replenishes a customer card. Alternatively, a connection can
be made using the automatic teller machine with the host computer
of the financial institution managing the customer's account, and
the customer can replenish the customer card with electronic money
from his own account to a value corresponding to a prescribed
amount. However, at this time it is necessary for the customer to
look for a branch of the financial institution that issued the card
or go a long distance to a branch. This makes replenishing the
customer card with electronic money laborious.
When the customer replenishes the customer card with electronic
money at his own home, the customer connects with the host computer
of the financial institution managing his personal account via a
communications line, etc., using a household terminal capable of
performing electronic money replenishing transactions and
replenishes the customer card inserted into the household terminal
with a value corresponding to a prescribed amount to be withdrawn
from the customer's own account in the form of electronic money. It
is therefore necessary at this time for the customer to prepare a
number of household terminals for each of the cost settlement
conditions, which requires substantial installation investment.
Alternatively, it is necessary to prepare a customer card issued by
the issuing body that coincides with the charge settlement
conditions set at the household terminal. Either approach is
extremely troublesome for the customer. Because of these reasons,
customers have not been able to utilize the electronic transaction
systems in a sufficient manner, and financial institutions have not
been able to effectively utilize automatic teller machines that
have been maintained with substantial investment in
installations.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention adopts the following configurations in order
to resolve the aforementioned problems.
(Configuration 1)
In a first aspect of the present invention, in an electronic
transaction system utilizing a customer card issued so as to
correspond to a customer account established at a financial
institution, for carrying out transaction processing of pre-decided
settlement conditions and an automatic teller machine, where
transaction processing is carried out using the customer card and
electronic money, a plurality of ATM cards for carrying out
transaction processing of pre-decided transaction conditions for
electronic money of different issuers or for different types of
electronic money of the same issuer are housed at an automatic
teller machine, control software for controlling the plurality of
ATM cards is stored and a plurality of transaction processes of
different settlement types can be obtained.
(Description of Configuration 1)
This system is capable of carrying out transaction processing using
electronic money of different issuing bodies or different types of
electronic money of the same issuer.
(Configuration 2)
In a second aspect of the present invention, the automatic teller
machine of the first aspect of the present invention reads
information specifying settlement conditions from an inserted
customer card, activates control software coinciding with the
settlement conditions using the read information and carries out
transactions between the ATM card stored in the automatic teller
machine and the customer card.
(Description of Configuration 2)
This system reads information specifying the settlement conditions
from the customer card and specifies the settlement conditions
based on this information.
(Configuration 3)
In a third aspect of the present invention, the automatic teller
machine of the first aspect of the present invention activates
control software in a pre-decided settlement condition order when
information specifying the settlement conditions is read from the
inserted customer card and settlement conditions cannot be
specified from the read information.
(Description of Configuration 3)
This system tests transaction processes in order using pre-decided
settlement conditions when information specifying settlement
conditions cannot be read from the customer card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the concept of a transaction of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block view of control of the automatic transaction
device of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the outline of a card processor of
the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the IC card of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a conceptual view of the storage data of the IC card A of
the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a conceptual view of the storage data of the IC card B of
the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a conceptual view of the storage data of the IC card C of
the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a system view of the electronic transaction system of the
present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an electronic settlement of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an electronic settlement of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an electronic settlement of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example customer guidance screen
display of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an example customer guidance screen
display of the present invention; and
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the electronic settlement of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic
transaction system capable of executing transaction processes of
different settlement conditions using a single terminal. In the
present invention, a plurality of IC cards for use on the financial
institution side corresponding to pre-decided settlement conditions
are provided at each terminal.
Specific Example 1
The following is a description using a specific example of an
embodiment of the present invention.
(Configuration of Automatic Teller Machine)
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the concept of a transaction of the
present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of control of an ATM
used in the electronic transaction system of the present invention,
and FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an outline of a guard processor
of the present invention. This specific example shows a transaction
system capable of executing transaction processing with three types
of different settlement conditions using just one terminal.
In FIG. 1, numeral 1 represents an automatic teller machine
(hereinafter referred to as "ATM") installed in a branch of a
financial institution, a supermarket, convenience store or gasoline
stand etc. Numeral 2 represents a communication line. Numeral 3
represents a host computer constituting an upper order device for
the ATM 1 connected to the ATM 1 via the communication line 2.
Numeral 4 represents a storage device connected to and managed by
the host computer 3. Numeral 4a represents a customer account file
4a stored in the storage device 4. The customer account file 4a
stores the address, name, age, occupation, account number, pin
number and balance information etc. for the account holder. The
customer account file 4a is updated with the newest information
when updating of the deposit balance information is designated by
the host computer 3 every time a deposit or withdrawal transaction
is carried out.
Numeral 5 represents a card handling unit for reading information
stored on a card for customer use (hereinafter referred to as a
customer card) and writing information. Numeral 5a represents a
card insertion/return opening 5a. The card insertion/return opening
5a is provided at the front of the ATM 1 and is connected by a
conveyance path with the card handling unit 5 provided within the
ATM 1. When a customer card is inserted by a customer via the card
insertion/return opening 5a, the customer card is conveyed to the
card handling unit 5 by the conveyance path wherein, prescribed
transaction processing is executed. The customer card is then
conveyed to the card insertion/return opening 5a from the card
handling unit 5 by the conveyance path and dispatched to outside of
the ATM 1 from the card insertion/return opening 5a so as to be
returned to the customer. Numeral 5b represents a magnetic reader.
Numeral 5c represents an embossed character reader 5c for reading
information recorded in a display area (to be described later) of
the customer card. Numeral 5d represents an IC card reader
electrically connected with the IC (Integrated Circuit) of the
customer card, for reading information stored in the IC and writing
information.
Numeral 6 is a temporary card holding section for temporarily
holding cards inserted within the ATM 1 from the card
insertion/return opening 5a and is provided in a sideways direction
of the embossed card reader 5c so as to be conveyed so as to
diverge from a conveyance path linking the card insertion/return
opening 5a and the IC card reader/writer 5d by a conveyance means
(5a). The customer card is conveyed to the temporary card holding
section 6 from a conveyance path linking the card insertion/return
opening 5a and the IC card reader 5d by a conveyance means (not
shown). The conveyance means is constructed from a plurality of
pairs of conveyance rollers and driver motors etc. constructed so
as to be capable of rotating while sandwiching the customer card.
This conveyance means and various sensors for conveyance control
provided at the periphery of the conveyance means bear no direct
relationship to the present invention and are therefore omitted
from the drawings.
Numeral 7 represents a receipt handling unit. The receipt handling
unit 7 prints transaction details on receipts 8 issued to the
customer for every transaction and performs issuance processing.
The conveyance path for conveying the receipt 8 is provided so as
to merge in the vicinity of the conveyance path for conveying the
customer card and the card insertion/return opening 5a. These
conveyance paths are provided with card sensing means (not shown)
in the vicinity of the card insertion/return opening 5a. The card
sensing means senses the insertion of a customer card as well as
sensing returned customer cards and discharge of issued
receipts.
Numeral 9 represents a customer interface. The customer operating
unit 9 comprises, for example, a touch panel. The customer
operating unit 9 displays screens such as "IC card transaction
guidance" or "withdrawals" which constitute one type of withdrawal
processing and guides the customer to select the type of
processing. If, at this time, the customer lightly touches
(presses), for example, the part of the display for "withdrawals",
the ATM 1 executes a transaction to replenish the customer card
with electronic money.
Numeral 10 represents an audio guidance unit provided on the front
of the ATM 1 for giving operation guidance using speech. The audio
guidance unit 10 comprises a speaker 10a and a microphone 10b.
Numeral 11 represents a guidance display and numeral 11a represents
a display provided at the front of the ATM 1. The guidance display
11 is for displaying possible transactions and operation guidance
or can display information such as information peculiar to the
local area when in a wait state at the display 11a.
Numerals 12a, 12b and 12c represent first, second and third card
readers provided within the ATM 1. IC cards for financial
institution use (hereinafter referred to as "ATM cards") 200a, 200b
and 200c to be described later are installed at the card
reader/writers 12a, 12b and 12c, respectively. One of these card
reader/writers is selected and driven for every transaction process
in response to the type of customer card inserted via the card
insertion/return opening 5a or the transaction settlement
conditions. The driven card reader/writer is itself electrically
connected to an ATM card, with information being exchanged based on
prescribed control software.
Numeral 13 is an internal operation part. The internal operation
part 13 is constructed from, for example, a touch panel. The
internal operation part 13 displays screens such as, for example,
"procedure for installing ATM card to the card reader/writer". The
clerk then installs ATM cards 200a, 200b and 200c at the card
reader/writers 12a, 12b and 12c based on this display. Further, the
internal operation part 13 is inputted with a code for releasing a
prescribed door for the clerk and information for setting up the
ATM cards, etc.
Numeral 14 represents a storage part provided within the ATM 1
consisting of ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)
or a floppy disc etc. The storage part 14 has storage areas 14a,
14b and 14c. Programs for carrying out various control and control
software for driving the first to third card readers 12a, 12b and
12c are stored in these storage areas.
Numeral 15 represents an interface (hereinafter referred to as
a"I/F") for connecting the ATM 1 with the host computer 3.
Numeral 16 represents a proximity detector located at the front of
the ATM 1 for detecting when a customer approaches the ATM 1. When
a customer approaches the ATM 1, this is detected by the proximity
detector 16, and a transition is made from a wait state to a
transaction possible state. When the customer finishes the
transaction and moves away from the ATM 1, this is also detected by
the approach detector 16, and the higher order device is
notified.
Numeral 17 represents a main controller for controlling each of the
above parts. Numeral 18 represents a power supply for supplying
electrical power to each of the above parts.
(Configuration of Customer Card)
Next, the customer card is described. Magnetic cards 19 that do not
possess IC (Integrated Circuit) chips and electronic money cards
(hereinafter referred to as IC cards) having IC chips exist as
customer money cards. In the following, these are described
separately from each other. However, as the theme of the present
invention is charge settlement using electronic money, a
description of the configuration of magnetic cards 19, that bear
little relation to charge settlement using electronic money, is
omitted.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an IC card.
In FIG. 4, numeral 20 represents an IC card. The size, physical
characteristics, electrical characteristics and communications
protocol of the IC card 20 all conform to international
standards.
Numeral 201 represents a magnetic stripe. This magnetic stripe 201
is magnetically recorded with data peculiar to a particular
customer such as a financial institution code, customer name, and
account number etc. as well as a code that indicates that this IC
card 20 has an IC (integrated circuit).
Numeral 202 is an IC (integrated circuit) chip. This IC chip 202 is
embedded at a predetermined position of the card material, with
electrical signals being exchanged with the IC card reader 5a via
terminals exposed at the surface of the card.
The IC chip 202 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) written with a
management program for carrying out transaction settlements, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing transaction contents
and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM)
constituting a non-volatile memory for electrically erasing and
re-writing storage information. The IC chip 202 also has a storage
circuit for storing various kinds of data (for example, encryption
software and encryption key information, and financial institution
codes and data peculiar to a particular customer, etc.) and a
control circuit (MPU) for controlling reading and writing to each
of the memories.
Numeral 203 represents a display area. The display area 203 is
printed with a code of a financial institution, a customer name and
account number etc. and is embossed with embossed characters. In
FIG. 4 is "A01" taken as an issuing body number, "023" taken as a
identifying number, "4567890" taken as an ID number and the
customer name is taken as "OO smith".
Next, a description is given of an example of data stored when the
data stored in the IC card 20 is used in electronic transactions.
In this embodiment, three types of settlement conditions are taken
as type A, B and C with a description being given where the types
A, B and C are assumed to be, for example, debit (immediate
payment), credit (deferred payment) and prepaid (advance payment).
IC cards 20 corresponding to the types A, B and C are then
described as 20a, 20b and 20c, respectively are taken as type A, B
and C, respectively, and classified for IC card 20a, 20b, and 20b
respectively. The IC card 20 is stated as a typical example, when
describing matters common to the IC cards 20a, 20b and 20c.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual view of data stored in the IC card 20a.
In FIG. 5, numeral 21a is a classification code showing that type A
is taken as the settlement condition.
Numeral 21b represents data for the issuing body code, ID number,
valid period, and customer name. Data stored at 21a and 21b is
partially the same as information stored at the magnetic stripe
201.
Numeral 21c represents the electronic money balance held within the
card. The balance 21c is recorded for each currency unit such as
"yen" and "dollar" as shown in FIG. 5. This balance 21c is updated
so as to be reduced when payment is carried out in a goods purchase
transaction.
Numeral 21d is a code number for identifying the customer. In this
specific example, two kinds (code number A and code number B) of
code number 21d are set. These code numbers can be arbitrarily set
in response to the application. For example, code number A can be
set to be used by the customer themselves and code number B can be
set to be used by a member of the customers family, etc.
Alternatively, code number A can be set to be used for
replenishment transactions and code number B can be set to be used
for withdrawal transactions.
Numeral 21e represents a transaction history of first to Nth
transactions. The transaction history 21e is data showing date and
time, product name and amount etc. when carrying out transactions
for purchasing goods.
Of the above data, at least the balance amount 21c and the
transaction history 21e are stored in EEPROM capable of being
updated. Reading and writing of this data to and from the EEPROM is
controlled by the aforementioned control circuitry.
When two years have passed since issue of the IC card 20 or when
the IC card 20 does not have a transaction history, in order to
keep the electronic transaction system secure, the configuration is
such that funds (electronic money held in the IC card 20 are
temporarily frozen by the aforementioned control circuitry.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual view of data stored in the IC card 20b. This
IC card 20b is for executing transaction processing of settlement
conditions different from the settlement conditions of the IC card
20a. These different settlement conditions occur due to differences
in methods or, even when the method is the same, from different
approaches of each financial institution (banks, credit companies,
and intermediaries etc.) that issues electronic money.
In FIG. 6, numeral 22a represents an identification code showing,
that type B is taken as the settlement condition.
Numeral 22b is data for the issuing body code, ID number and
customer name.
Numeral 22c represents a code number for identifying the
customer.
Numeral 22d represents valid period data. When the valid period
data 22d of the IC card 20 exceeds the valid period, the
construction is such that funds (electronic money) held within the
IC card 20 are temporarily frozen by the aforementioned control
circuitry in order to keep the electronic transaction system
secure. This is to take into consideration the chance that the
storage data within the IC chip 202 may be updated due to changes
in the system etc.
Numeral 22e represents a credit limit balance applied to the
customer by the financial institution. When a payment operation is
executed due to a goods purchase transaction, the balance 22e is
reduced so as to be updated. With these purchase transactions,
portions that are used are collected together and withdrawn from an
account established at a financial institution etc. via a
settlement network line.
Numeral 22f represents transaction limit data indicating the limit
to which transactions are possible in the case of mainly credit
(deferred payment) transactions.
Numeral 22g represents a transaction history for first to Nth
transactions. The transaction history 22g is data showing the day
and time, goods name and amount etc. when a product purchase
transaction is carried out.
Of the above data, at least the balance 22e and the transaction
history 22g are stored in an EEPROM.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual view of the data stored in the IC card 20c.
This IC card 20c is for executing transaction processing for
settlement conditions different from the settlement conditions of
the IC cards 20a and 20b.
In FIG. 7, numeral 23a represents an identification code indicating
that type C is taken as the settlement condition.
Numeral 23b represents data for the issuing body code, ID number,
customer name and valid period (not shown) etc.
Numeral 23c represents a code number for identifying the
customer.
Numeral 23d represents the electronic money balance stored within
the card. This balance 23d is reduced so as to be updated when a
payment operation due to a goods purchase transaction is carried
out. With this purchase transaction, a prescribed amount is
transferred beforehand from an account established at a financial
institution etc. via the settlement network line so that cash is
converted to electronic money.
Numeral 23e represents a currency number. The balance is assumed to
be stored as a currency type, with the currency number 23 then
indicating a currency number for each type of money. For example,
when it is assumed that one hundred thousand yen of electronic
money is stored as eight ten thousand yen notes, two five thousand
yen notes and ten one thousand yen notes, an alphanumeric number of
approximately ten digits is added to each money type data as a
currency number. When a payment of two one thousand yen notes
(number XX, number X.DELTA.) is made at the time of a transaction
for purchasing goods of 1700 yen, currency numbers and a balance
for change of 300 yen of three one hundred yen coins (number
.gradient.X, number XO, number OO) is stored.
Numeral 23f is for service points given for purchase amounts etc.
every time goods are purchased at a shop etc., with these service
points being set by the issuing body.
Numeral 23g represents an individual information memo. The
individual information memo is data for, for example, a driver's
license or passport number, company employee certificate, residents
card or public transport card.
Of the above data, at least the balance 23d, currency number 23e,
point 23f and individual information memo 23g are stored on
EEPROM.
(System Organization)
Next, a description is given of the system organization of the
electronic transaction system of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a view of the system organization of the electronic
transaction system of the present invention.
Numeral 30 represents a branch of a financial institution, with an
ATM 1 established within a store. Numeral 31 is a branch cash
server for controlling other ATMs (not shown) and an ATM 1a within
an unmanned shop 32 and for sending funds from a server card 33
when there are insufficient funds at an ATM card 200 installed in
the ATMs 1 and 1a.
Numeral 34 is a money management center for allotting separate
funds to each branch and carrying out detailed audits of funds. The
money management center also designates the transfer of funds from
a center card 35 to a server card 33 within a branch 30.
Numeral 36 represents a credit company connected to a host computer
3 via a settlement network line 38. Numeral 37 represents a
financial institution such as a bank etc. configured so as to be
capable of carrying out transactions, with electronic settlement
using an IC card also being possible.
(Electronic Transaction Procedure)
Next, a description is given of an example of an electronic
transaction procedure occurring in the electronic transaction
system of the present invention. In the following description,
items which are common to the magnetic card 19 and the IC card 20
are described for a customer card.
FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure
for transferring funds from a customer deposit account to the IC
card 20 as an example procedure for an electronic transaction. In
these drawings a procedure is shown where a customer uses the
magnetic card 19 and the IC card 20 so as to access a customer
deposit account stored in the host computer of a financial
institution using the magnetic card 19 so as to transfer funds from
the customer deposit account to the IC card 20. Here, "S" indicates
each operation step. Further, FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an
example display of a customer guidance screen of the present
invention and FIG. 13 is a further view illustrating an example
display of a customer guidance screen of the present invention.
First, when a customer approaches the ATM, the ATM detects this
using a proximity detector 16 and a display of a customer operating
unit 9 is changed over from a wait screen to a customer guidance
screen (S1). When the customer then presses "IC card transaction",
the screen is changed over (S2), "please insert your IC card" is
displayed as shown in FIG. 12 and a transaction selection is
obtained.
When the customer presses "replenish funds" and inserts the
customer card into a card insertion/return opening 5a, this is
detected by the ATM 1 (S3) and this customer card is taken into the
card processor 5 and transported as far as a magnetic reader 5b
(S4). Magnetic information stored within the magnetic stripe 201 is
then read (S5).
The ATM 1 then reads the magnetic information and discerns whether
or not this is a card for which transactions are permitted (S6). At
this time, the ATM 1 discerns whether the customer card is a
magnetic card 19 or an IC card 20. Then ATM 1 then conveys the
customer card further inside, reading of a display area 203 is
carried out by the embossed character reader 5c (S7) and this
information is temporarily stored in a storage part 14.
When the customer card is an IC card 20, the ATM 1 conveys the IC
card 20 as far as a position from which information stored on the
IC chip 202 is stored can be carried out and the IC card 20 is then
temporarily halted (S8). When the customer card is a magnetic card
19, the ATM 1 is temporarily held in a temporary card holding
section 6 and the customer is made to insert an IC card 20.
When the magnetic reading is not carried out in a normal manner in
step S6, the ATM 1 conveys the card in as far as the card
insertion/return opening 5a, indication that a transaction is not
possible is displayed at the customer operating unit 9 and
withdrawal of the customer card is indicated (S9).
After step S8, the ATM displays "input card of account to be
withdrawn from and input code number, or when a card is not used,
press the confirm button please" at the customer guidance screen,
and the customer is invited to insert the magnetic card 19. When
the magnetic card 19 is then inserted via the card insertion/return
opening 5a, it is detected (S10) and carried as far as the card
handling unit 5, and the magnetic information stored on the
magnetic stripe 191 is read (S11). The case where a magnetic card
19 is not inserted and the confirmation button is pressed is
described in the following.
When the ATM 1 determines that the bank card can be handled on the
basis of the read magnetic information (S12), read information such
as the account number etc. of the magnetic card 19 is transmitted
to the host computer 3 and a search for customer information within
a customer account file 4a within a storage device 4 is commenced.
When a code number is then inputted by a customer (S13), the ATM 1
transmits this information to the host computer 3 and collation is
carried out as to whether or not the code number coincides with a
code number of code numbers pre-registered for every account number
(S14).
When the collation results show that the code number exists, the
host computer 3 sends the customer name and deposit balance
information etc. back to the ATM 1 (S15).
When it is determined from the collation results that the code
number is different, the host computer 3 gives notification to the
ATM 1 that the code number is different. In this case, the ATM 1
displays "code number is incorrect, please input the code number
again" so that the customer is urged to re-input the code number.
If the collation is then carried out again so as to coincide, the
next step is proceeded to. If it is determined that there is still
no coincidence after re-collating, "the current code number is also
incorrect, please press the cancel button and confirm the card" or
"if incorrect again, transactions will not be possible" etc. are
displayed. If a prescribed number of inputs is exceeded (S16), the
magnetic card 19 is discharged at the card insertion/return opening
5a (S17).
After step S15, when the ATM 1 determines that transactions are
possible from collation of the code number, the IC card type is
discerned from the magnetic information read in step 5 (S18).
At this time, when the type of the IC card is determined to be type
A, (in the following description, the IC card is taken to be 20a),
the main controller 17 of the ATM 1 applies a voltage/clock in a
prescribed order to a terminal part of the IC chip 202 of the IC
card 20a suspended in step S8, and reading of the storage contents
of the IC card 20a is carried out. The main controller 17 then
selects control software for use with the card reader/writer 12a
based on the type information read from the IC card 20a (S19).
At the same time, the main controller 17 confirms whether or not
the card is a card compatible with the system from the ID number of
the IC card 20a and valid period data 21 included in the
information read from the IC card 20a. The ATM 1 then displays the
kind of customer guidance screen shown in FIG. 13 at the customer
operating unit 9. The customer then inputs the required amount from
the numeric key pad in accordance with this display (S20).
The main controller 17 of the ATM 1 then confirms whether
transaction processing is possible from the deposit balance
information and inputted amount (S21). If possible, a determination
is made as to whether or not this amount is within the transaction
limit even when the amount to be withdrawn is added to the balance
information of the IC card 20a (S22).
When the transaction limit is exceeded, the ATM 1 displays the
maximum amount that can be withdrawn and a request is made to the
customer for a revised input and a confirmation operation.
When the transaction limit is not exceeded, the ATM 1 sends a
signal designating the transaction processing to the ATM card 200a
installed at the IC card 20a and the first card reader 12a. The IC
card 20a and the ATM card 200a that receive this signal then make
their own determinations as to whether the conditions are fulfilled
for carrying out fund transfers. When the IC card 20a and the ATM
card 200a determine that the conditions are fulfilled, a signal
designating fund transferring is sent to the other cards, with fund
transfers then being carried out when the signal designating fund
transferring is received (S23).
At this time, the IC card 20a adds the entered amount to the
electronic money balance stored within itself and the ATM card 200a
subtracts the outputted amount from the electronic money balance
stored within itself and also calculates a new balance. The IC card
20a and the ATM card 200a send the balances calculated by
themselves to the other cards and it is reciprocally confirmed
whether or not these calculations are correct.
When the calculations are correct, both cards send a signal to the
other card consenting to transaction processing. In this way, both
cards update storage regions for storing the balances with new
balances and transaction processing is carried out. When a
calculation is not correct, one of the cards sends a signal to the
other card indicating that consent is not given to transaction
processing and the other card is made to carry out the calculations
again. If the calculations are correct on this occasion, both cards
carry out transaction processing. If the calculations are not
correct, an alarm signal is transmitted to the ATM 1 and
transaction processing is suspended.
In parallel with the operation of step S23, the main controller 17
of the ATM 1 designates issuance of a receipt 8 at the receipt
handling unit 7. As a result of this, the receipt handling unit 7
prints the contents of the transaction processing and the read
information of the display area stored at the storage part 14 on
the receipt 8 and the receipt 8 is conveyed to the vicinity of the
card insertion/return opening 5a.
The ATM 1 then discharges the magnetic card 19 from the card
insertion/return opening 5a(S24). When the ATM detects withdrawal
of the magnetic card 19 by the customer using a detection means
(not shown), the receipt 8 and the IC card 20a are simultaneously
discharged from the card insertion/return opening 5a (S25). The ATM
1 then detects withdrawal of the receipt 8 and the IC card 20 by
the customer using the detecting means (not shown) (S26).
Processing for paying to the customer is then complete.
Finally,the host computer 3 updates the customer deposit balance
information stored in the customer account file 4a (S27) so that
all of the processing is complete.
Next, a description is given of where card type B is identified in
step S18 as the IC card type (in the following description IC card
20b is assumed). The IC card 20b is a card of different settlement
conditions from the IC card 20a (for example, electronic money
using different methods or electronic money of different issuing
bodies or cards carrying out transaction processing in different
ways even though the issuing body is the same).
After step S18, the main controller 17 of the ATM 1 applies a
prescribed voltage/clock in a prescribed order to the terminal part
of the IC chip 202 of the IC card 20b which was halted in step S8
and the storage contents of the IC card 20b are read.
The main controller 17 then selects the control software 14b for
use with the card reader/writer 12b based on the type information
read from the IC card 20b (S28). At the same time, the main
controller 17 confirms whether or not the card is appropriate for
the system from the ID number of the IC card 20b and valid period
data 22d etc. included in the information read from the IC card
20b. A connection is then made with the card issuing body 36 via
the settlement network line 38 (S29) and the information read from
the IC card 20b is transmitted. The card issuing body 36 then
confirms whether or not the card is compatible with the system,
with information indicating card compatibility being sent back to
the ATM 1 when card compatibility is confirmed.
When the kind of customer guidance screen shown in FIG. 13 is then
displayed at the customer operating unit 9, the customer inputs the
required amount using the numeric key display (S30).
The main controller 17 of the ATM 1 then confirms whether or not a
transaction is possible from the deposit balance information
received in step S15 and the inputted amount (S31). If possible, a
determination is made as to whether or not the transaction is
within the transaction limit even if the amount to be withdrawn is
subtracted from the balance information provided for the IC card
24b (S32).
If this transaction exceeds the transaction limit, the maximum
amount that can be withdrawn is displayed by the ATM 1 and the
customer is requested to provide a revised input and a confirmation
operation.
When the transaction limit is not exceeded, the ATM 1 sends a
signal designating the transaction processing to the ATM card 200b
installed at the IC card 20b and the second card reader 12b. The IC
card 20b and the ATM card 200b that receive this signal then make
their own determinations as to whether the conditions are fulfilled
for carrying out fund transfers. When the IC card 20b and the ATM
card 200b determine that the conditions are fulfilled, a signal
designating fund transferring is sent to the other cards, with fund
transfers then being carried out when the signal designating fund
transferring is received (S33). At this time, an amount
corresponding to the withdrawn amount is subtracted from the
balance provided for the IC card 20b for updating and electronic
money corresponding to the withdrawn amount is transferred from the
ATM card 200b to the IC card 20b and stored in the storage region
storing electronic money of the IC card 20b. Transferring of
electronic money between the ATM card 200b and the IC card 200b is
carried out in the same order as transferring of electronic money
between the ATM card 200a and the IC card 20a.
In parallel with the operation of step S33, the main controller 17
of the ATM 1 designates issuance of a receipt 8 at the receipt
handling unit 7. As a result of this, the receipt handling unit 7
prints the contents of the transaction processing and the read
information of the display area stored at the storage part 14 on
the receipt 8 and the receipt 8 is conveyed to the vicinity of the
card insertion/return opening 5a.
The ATM 1 then discharges the magnetic card 19 from the card
insertion/return opening 5a (S34). When the ATM 1 detects
withdrawal of the magnetic card 19 by the customer using the
detecting means (not shown), the receipt 8 and the IC card 20b are
simultaneously discharged from the card insertion/return opening 5a
(S35). The ATM 1 then detects withdrawal of the receipt 8 and the
IC card 20 by the customer using the detecting means (not shown)
(S36). The process for outputting money to the customer is then
complete.
Finally, the host computer 3 updates the balance information for
the credit limit of the customer stored in the customer account
file 4a (S37) and all of the processing is then complete.
Next, a description is given of where card type C is identified in
step S18 as the IC card type (in the following description IC card
20c is assumed). The IC card 20c is a card of different settlement
conditions to the IC card 20a and the IC card 20b (for example,
electronic money using different methods or electronic money of
different issuing bodies or cards carrying out transaction
processing in different ways even though the issuing body is the
same) and is equipped with bank card functions.
When the confirmation button is pressed in step S10 without a
magnetic card being inserted (in the following description the
customer card is taken to be the IC card 20c), the main controller
17 of the ATM 1 applies a voltage/clock in a prescribed order to
the terminal part of the IC chip 202 of the IC card 20c suspended
in step S8 and reading of the storage contents of the IC card 20c
is carried out.
The main controller 17 then selects the control software 14c for
use with the card reader/writer 12c based on the type information
read from the IC card 20c (S38). At the same time, the main
controller 17 confirms whether or not the card is appropriate for
the system from the issuing body code and ID number etc. of the IC
card 20c included in the information read from the IC card 20c. The
ATM 1 then displays the message "Please input your code number" and
the customer is invited to input his code number (S39).
At the same time, the ATM 1 makes a line connection with the card
issuing body 36 via the settlement network line 38 (S40) and
information read from the IC card 20c is transmitted. The card
issuing body 36 then searches for customer information
corresponding to the IC card 20c. When the code number is inputted
by the customer, the ATM 1 also sends this information to the card
issuing body 36. The card issuing body 36 then carries out
collation to determine whether or not the code number corresponds
with a code number pre-registered for each account number (S41).
When corresponding customer information exists, the card issuing
body 36 sends the customer name and deposit balance information
etc. back to the ATM 1 (S42).
If it is determined from the collation results of step S41 that the
code number is different, the ATM 1 displays the message "code
number incorrect, please input again" and the customer is invited
to re-input the code number. If collation is then carried out again
and the numbers match the next step is proceeded to.
When it is determined that there is still no coincidence after
collating again, the ATM 1 displays the messages "the current code
number is also incorrect, please press the cancel button and
confirm the card" or "if there is a further mistake, a transaction
will not be possible". If a prescribed number of inputs is exceeded
(S43), the ATM 1 discharges the IC card 20c at the card
insertion/return opening 5a (S44).
When the ATM 1 displays a customer guidance screen at the customer
operating unit 9, the customer inputs the required amount from the
numeric key pad display (S45). The main controller 17 of the ATM 1
then confirms whether or not a transaction is possible from the
received deposit balance and the inputted amount (S46). If
possible, a determination is made as to whether or not adding the
amount to be withdrawn to the balance of the IC card 20c exceeds
the transaction limit (S47). If this is within the transaction
limit, the ATM 1 updates the balance information for the IC card
20c (S48).
The ATM 1 then subtracts the amount withdrawn from the currency
balance taken as electronic money stored in the ATM card 200c
installed in the third card reader/writer 12c and updates the
balance information. When the transaction limit is exceeded in step
S42, the ATM 1 displays the maximum amount that can be withdrawn
and asks the customer to make a revised input and confirmation
operation.
In parallel with the operation of step S48, the main controller 17
of the ATM 1 designates issuance of a receipt 8 at the receipt
handling unit 7. As a result of this, the receipt handling unit 7
prints the contents of the transaction processing and the read
information of the display area stored at the storage part 14 on
the receipt 8 and the receipt 8 is conveyed to the vicinity of the
card insertion/return opening 5a.
The ATM 1 then discharges the receipt 8 and the IC card 20c
simultaneously from the card insertion/return opening 5a (S49) and
detects withdrawal of the receipt 8 and the IC card 20c by the
customer using the detection means (not shown) (S50). Processing
for outputting money to the customer is then complete.
Finally, information for the amount of money withdrawn (designation
of transfer of currency information) from the IC card 20c is
transmitted to the financial institution 37 such as a bank etc. The
deposit balance for the customer within the customer account file
4a managed by the financial institution 37 is then updated (S51)
and the electronic money settlement processing is complete.
In the above a description is given for the case where the charge
settlement type code set at the IC card 20 is stored in the
magnetic stripe 201 and charge settlement of a type corresponding
with the charge settlement set at the IC card 20 is carried out
using the magnetic information read from the magnetic stripe 201
without using the information stored within the IC chip 202 of the
IC card 20.
Next, a description is given of the case where the ATM 1 settles
charges using information stored in the IC chip 202 of the IC card
20 without the charge settlement type code set at the IC card 20
being stored at the magnetic stripe 201.
The charge settlement type set at the IC card 20 is inputted by the
customer into the ATM 1 via the customer operation unit 9. When the
customer has not inputted the type (card type designation) within a
prescribed time, the ATM 1 tries out a plurality of types of charge
settlement set at itself in a prescribed order of, for examples
type code A, type code B and type code C. FIG. 14 is a flowchart
showing this operation of the ATM 1.
When the IC card 20 is inserted, the ATM 1 reads the magnetic
information stored in the magnetic stripe 201. When there is no
type code data within the magnetic information read in, the ATM 1
determines that confirmation of the type is not possible and
conveys the IC card 20 to the IC card reader/writer 5d (S61). The
ATM 1 then displays the message "please designate the transaction
institution for this IC card" and the name of the machine for which
permitted transactions are possible is displayed (S62). A timer
monitoring the presence of an input in accordance with this display
is then made to operate and a customer input is awaited (S63).
If there is still no input after a prescribed time (of, for
example, 5 seconds) has passed, then the ATM proceeds to step S67
(S64), and time out processing is executed.
When there is no input within a prescribed time period, the ATM 1
selects control software 14n corresponding to the inputted type N,
activates the IC card reader/writer 12n and activates the ATM card
200n installed at the IC card reader/writer 12n. At this time, the
ATM card 200n accesses the IC card 200 (S65) and confirms whether
or not the IC card 20 is appropriate (S66). When the compatibility
of the IC card 20 is confirmed, the ATM card 20n carries out
settlement transactions and access ends when the settlement
transaction is complete.
When compatibility of the IC card 20 cannot be confirmed using the
control software 14n corresponding to the type code N, the ATM code
200n transmits a signal to the ATM 1 indicating that the card is
not appropriate. In doing so, the ATM 1 selects control software
14a corresponding to the type code A, drives the IC card
reader/writer 12a and activates the ATM card 200a installed at the
IC card reader/writer 12a. At this time, the ATM card 200a
transmits a prescribed signal to the IC card 20, accesses the IC
card 20 (S67) and confirms whether or not the IC card 20 has sent
back an appropriate response with respect to this signal (S68). At
this time, step 73 is then proceeded to if the IC card 20 sends
back an appropriate response at this time.
When compatibility of the IC card 20 cannot be confirmed using the
control software 14n corresponding to the type code N, the ATM code
200n transmits a signal to the ATM 1 indicating that the card is
not appropriate. In doing so, the ATM 1 selects control software
14a corresponding to the type code A, drives the IC card
reader/writer 12a and activates the ATM card 200a installed at the
IC card reader/writer 12a. At this time, the ATM card 200a
transmits a prescribed signal to the IC card 20, accesses the IC
card 20 (S67) and confirms whether or not the IC card 20 has sent
back an appropriate response with respect to this signal (S68). At
this time, step S73 is then proceeded to if the IC card 20 sends
back an appropriate response at this time.
When the IC card 20 does not send back an appropriate response in
step 68, the ATM card 200a transmits a signal to the ATM 1
indicating that the IC card 20 is not a type code A card. The ATM 1
then selects control software 14b corresponding to the type code B,
drives the IC card reader/writer 12b, and activates the ATM card
200b installed at the IC card reader/writer 12b. At this time, the
ATM card 200b transmits a prescribed signal to the IC card 20 and
accesses the IC card 20 (S69) and confirms whether or not the IC
card 20 sends back an appropriate response with respect to this
signal (S70). At this time, step S73 is proceeded to if the IC card
20 sends back an appropriate response at this time.
When the IC card 20 does not send back an appropriate response in
step S70, the ATM card 200b transmits a signal to the ATM 1
indicating that the IC card 20 is not a type code B card. The ATM 1
then selects control software 14c corresponding to the type code C,
drives the IC card reader/writer 12c, and activates the ATM card
200c installed at the IC card reader/writer 12c. At this time, the
ATM card 200c transmits a prescribed signal to the IC card 20,
accesses the IC card 20 (S71) and confirms whether or not the IC
card 20 sends back an appropriate response with respect to this
signal (S72). Step S73 is then proceeded to if the IC card 20 sends
back an appropriate response.
When the IC card 20 does not sent back an appropriate response in
step S72, the ATM card 200c transmits a signal to the ATM 1
indicating that the IC card 20 is not a card of type code C. The
ATM 1 then displays that transactions are not possible at the
customer operation unit 9 (S74), the IC card 20 is discharged from
the card insertion/return opening 5a (S75) and the process is
complete.
When the IC card 20 sends back an appropriate response in step S68,
step S70 or step S72, the ATM card 200 confirms whether or not the
IC card 20 is an appropriate card (S73). When the ATM card 200
confirms that the IC card 20 is appropriate, charge settling is
carried out and the processing ends when the charge settlement is
complete.
Various modifications of the above embodiment are possible.
For example, the order of activation of the control software 14 can
be set up based on the market share of the transaction conditions.
The likelihood of the type of cash settlement set at the IC card 20
and the control software 14 matching is therefore increased and
processing can therefore be carried out in a shorter time
period.
Further, the ATM 1 can be capable of carrying out processing for
more than three types of charge settlement. This kind of ATM 1 can
be realized by, for example, making the number of built-in card
reader/writers greater than three. This kind of ATM 1 can also be
realized by making the configuration of the ATM card 200 installed
in the card reader/writer 12 such that a plurality of charge
settlement types can be carried out with a single card.
Specifically, the ATM card 200 is configured to store data such as
that shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in response to the types of
charge settlement for which processing is possible. The ATM card
200 then receives the type code and issuing body code etc. from the
customer card at the time of a goods transaction, decides the
charge settlement type in response to this data and charge
settlement is then executed. This kind of ATM 1 is capable of a
large number of types of transaction settlement using a single
machine and a system in which a plurality of card issuing bodies
can work in cooperation can therefore be provided.
Control software can be automatically activated on the device side
and accessing can be carried out without the customer inputting the
settlement type, which is extremely convenient for inexperienced
customers.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention described above has the following
effects.
A customer can make transactions using an automatic teller machine
of a nearby financial institution even when a plurality of
settlement conditions exist for transactions using electronic
money. It is therefore no longer necessary for the customer to look
for a branch of the financial institution that issued the card or
to go to branches far away, thus increasing convenience for the
customer.
By refitting just part of an automatic teller machine maintained at
great investment in equipment by a financial institution, a
plurality of IC card reader/writers can be stored if, for example,
the space for one related money storage box is guaranteed. Further,
as IC cards are extremely safe from a security point of view, a
plurality of card reader/writers can be added by attachment to the
rear side of the ATM and compatibility can therefore easily be
achieved.
* * * * *